Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has approved releasing an extra N1.6 billion to pay gratuities to retired workers.

This was announced by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Ekerete Udoh, in a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Uyo. He said the amount covers Retired Local government, Primary School teachers, and retired Civil servants.

He said: “As part of his promise to continue to pay the arrears of retired workers, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has approved the immediate release of another 1.6 Billion Naira.

“The amount is meant to continue to pay the arrears of gratuities of retired primary school teachers, local government workers and civil servants in the State.

“Pastor Eno is committed to keeping the promise he made to the State organized Labour during their one- day national protest march, to regularly allocate funds to continue the payment of gratuities.

“The Governor had previously released 3 Billion Naira for the same purpose, bringing the total amount so far released for this purpose to 4.6 billion Naira, a remarkable achievement by all standards”

Meanwhile, retired workers in the state lamented that the former governor Udom Emmanuel was indifferent to their plight throughout his tenure.